“The world no longer has a choice between force and law; if civilization is to survive, it must choose the rule of law.”—Paul Krugman Introduction The Council of Europe’s establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine represents a significant development in the international justice landscape. As nations grapple with the [...]
As Syria undergoes a precarious government transition under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, now is a critical moment to hold members of the former regime accountable for widespread human rights violations. One effective approach would be to establish a Special Domestic Criminal Court to prosecute individuals responsible for crimes committed [...]
The United Nations has stood for nearly eight decades as a bastion of hope for international cooperation and peace. As we witness its gradual erosion, marked by a troubling drift towards irrelevance among major global powers, it becomes imperative for member states — particularly those in the Global South—to rally behind the UN’s core principles. [...]
The recent decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to dismiss the Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force marks a troubling departure from the decades-long commitment of the US military to uphold the laws of armed conflict. This decision raises urgent concerns about the future of military engagement, the preservation of [...]
The third anniversary of Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of international norms and the rule of law. It marks a sobering moment, not just for Ukraine, which has borne the brunt of this unprovoked aggression, but for the entire global community that cherishes peace, diplomacy, and the [...]
The ongoing conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine poses significant challenges to peace and stability in Eastern Europe. The complexity of the situation is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly between NATO allies and the Russian Federation. In this context, a Multinational Force and Observers for the Donbas Region (MFO-DR) may serve as an effective [...]
In recent years, the plight of Ukraine has become a focal point in the global struggle for democracy and freedom. As the Ukrainian people continue to endure relentless aggression from Russia, it is crucial for the world community to recognize the significant stakes involved in this conflict. The shadows of past failures, like those witnessed [...]
In 1996, when Professor Bernard Hibbitts first established JURIST, few could have foreseen the impact the project would have. Whether measured in terms of the individual lives it has touched, its global reach, or the impressions it has left on the landscape of online legal news coverage, JURIST’s role cannot be overstated. What began as [...]
As the dust settles after the fall of the Assad regime, a significant chapter is closing in the tragic narrative of the Syrian conflict. The civil war, which erupted in 2011 following the brutal crackdown on peaceful student protests in Daraa, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Yet, with the regime’s [...]
“A republic, if you can keep it.” –Benjamin Franklin’s response to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” The rule of law lies at the heart of any functioning democracy, serving as a cornerstone for justice, equality, and the very fabric of society itself. As the United [...]
